slowly into stride, behind, ridden and headway when hung left over 2f out, weakened and eased over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong
with leader, ridden halfway, soon weaekend
chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on well
dwelt, soon chasing leaders, ridden to go 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner
in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
made most until ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
A tough race to call with some top yards set to be represented. However, there was a fair bit to like about the debut effort of Eqdaam, who gets the vote over Desert Commander and Mobarhen, who are both worth noting in the betting. The same comments apply to Fantorini, who is related to a few juvenile winners and can be placed to good effect after this. Jockey booking suggest that he may have to play second fiddle to the selection today though, and the use of a notebook may be the best policy with him this afternoon. Mobarhen is an expensive purchase that will be expected to know what is required of him sooner rather than later. He is a half-brother to the high-class Royal Assault and the market will give a solid indication as to whether he is expected to deliver at the first time of asking. The betting market will give a good indication on that score. Desert Commander created a fair impression on his first run but the way he emptied near the finish was a little bit disappointing. He should know a lot more this time around but is obviously not a leading light amongst some of talent at his trainer's disposal. By way of contrast, Eqdaam went down fighting in a race that has worked out quite well at Newmarket - the winner was not beaten far in a Group 2 on Wednesday, whereas Doctor's Cave lead home a useful field on Tuesday at odds of 50/1. The starting price will obviously be nowhere near as lavish this afternoon but Eqdaam has plenty of other things in his favour for him to get the selection in the opener at Doncaster today.
